Police sources said that Pandith was seen taking pictures of people coming out of Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area around 3 am on Friday. They said that when people tried to catch Pandith and stop him from taking photos, he allegedly fired several shots from his pistol, injuring three people.

Mohammed Ayub Pandith

Soon after, a group of young men began to beat the police officer. That group then quickly swelled into an irate mob that stripped the officer before killing him by hitting him with stones.

The incident occurred even as devotees were immersed in the special Shab-e-Qadr prayers inside Jamia Masjid.

Director general of police SP Vaid said the killing was sad and unfortunate.

"The official was killed by the mob while he was performing his duties. It's a very sad and unfortunate incident," Vaid said.

Soon after the incident, intense clashes erupted between police and youth outside the Jamia mosque, eyewitnesses told TOI. Police reinforcements were rushed to the area and the authorities announced restrictions on people's movement in seven police station areas of the city.